"Growing Wise Together"

Patricia Sylve

Hello Community,

I am excited to join the group of regular Sparkman contributing writers. My name is Patricia Sylve. I am a native of St. Louis, and have resided in Texas for the last twenty-seven years.  My goal is to offer meaningful information in this column, Growing Wise Together. With that said, let’s talk about annual check-ups for children returning to school. 

3 John 1:2. “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”. John's prayer ...With that said, let’s talk about annual check-ups for children heading back to school. 

Returning to the classroom after summer break is an exciting time of the year for both children and parents. As children head back to school, it is important to check their overall health. Most schools require that children receive a physical examination if they are participating in sports. However, children should complete at least an annual well-child examination. 

The benefits of children receiving a physical examination are numerous. First, a check-up visit gives your child’s doctor or healthcare provider a set point to monitor your child’s growth and development and confirm if your child has met key milestones. A physical examination can also help detect potential health issues early, such as vision or hearing problems, which can be addressed promptly. Additionally, these visits are also an opportunity for children to receive vaccinations to protect them from various illnesses and diseases. The doctor’s appointment also offers a chance for you as a parent to discuss any concerns you might have about your child’s health, behavior, or development with a healthcare professional. 

Further, it is important to highlight the need for children to maintain healthy eyes, teeth, and hearing as part of the formula for a successful school year. 

A vision check is important to detect vision disorders that can impair healthy development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss. Regular eye screenings are recommended at least annually. A vision screening can be completed by your child’s pediatrician, the family doctor, an optometrist (completes routine eye and vision care), or an ophthalmologist (provides advanced eye care and surgery). Remember, if children are participating in sports, they should use protective eyewear—goggles or a face mask if recommended for the sport.

Hearing is equally important to a child’s success in the classroom. Hearing loss can affect your child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. Early detection of hearing issues is crucial because the earlier children with hearing loss start receiving services, the more likely they are to reach their full potential. Regular hearing screenings can help identify issues early on, allowing for timely intervention and support. If you suspect your child might have hearing loss, it is important to speak with your doctor or a provider and get a hearing test as soon as possible. 

The beginning of the school year is a great time to pencil in a visit to the dentist. Cavities and tooth decay—most often—turn into a toothache, which can take your child’s focus away from learning until it is mitigated. Remember to follow your dentist’s recommendation for cleanings. After this visit, most dentists will bring a smile to your child’s face with a new toothbrush and toothpaste. 

Finally, nutrition and hydration are equally important. Good food and drinks help keep the brain functioning at peak capacity. Most nutritionists and dieticians will recommend replacing sugary drinks with low-sugar beverages or water and processed foods with fruit and vegetables. Let’s ensure our children have the fuel—good food, and water to learn and play throughout this school year. Wishing all our children a healthy and successful school year!

Growing Wise Together

Patricia Sylve

You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561761345249

https://www.instagram.com/growingwisetogether